aphesis
/ˈæfəsɪs/
noun
- The gradual loss of an unstressed vowel or syllable from the beginning of a word, often leading to a new standard form.
- The word 'special' underwent aphesis from the earlier form 'especial'.
- Aphesis explains why we say 'squire' instead of 'esquire' in everyday language.
- Many common English words like 'mend' (from 'amend') are results of aphesis.
Synonyms